Lot 71 AN ILLUMINATED QURAN JUZ, KASHMIR 19TH CENTURY
Arabic manuscript on silk paper, 34ff. each page with 6ll. written in elegant gold Thuluth script outlined in black, reserved within blue and orange clouds set against a gilt floral-decorated ground. The text is underlined with a broad gilded border, and large gilt verse roundels outlined in black are set within ruled gilt and polychrome borders. The margins of each page are lavishly decorated with gilt floral lotus and peony scrolls on a gilt ground. Surah headings feature the Basmallah in gilt Naskh script outlined in black, placed on a gilt floral-decorated background. The opening folio showcases a gold and polychrome illuminated headpiece. Bound in original Safavid brown morocco with a flap, featuring a large panel of stamped and tooled gilded decoration. The doublures display an elegant gilded decoupé arabesque medallion with spandrels over colored panels
Inscriptions:
Contains five surahs, beginning with Surah Yaseen (Chapter 36) and ending with Surah An-Naba (Chapter 78).
17 by 24 cm
Catalogue note:
The Quran written in Kashmiri on silk paper is a rare and treasured artifact reflecting deep reverence and artistic mastery. Silk paper, prized for its smooth texture and luxury, elevates the manuscript’s spiritual and aesthetic value. Originating from Kashmir’s rich tradition of Islamic calligraphy and manuscript art, these Qurans often blend local cultural motifs with classical Islamic styles. Typically created during the Mughal period or earlier, such manuscripts were commissioned by patrons seeking to honor the sacred text with exquisite craftsmanship. Due to the delicate nature of silk, these works are rare and carefully preserved, symbolizing a unique fusion of Kashmiri heritage and Islamic devotion.